A heated online exchange erupted between former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines and journalist Jemele Hill following Caitlin Clark's comments on benefiting from White privilege in the WNBA. Clark's remarks, published in Time magazine, sparked controversy and drew criticism from various figures, including Gaines.

Hill, a known critic of Clark, initiated the online debate by resharing a post where Gaines criticized Clark's comments. Hill questioned Gaines' stance, highlighting her advocacy for women while simultaneously criticizing Clark's acknowledgment of the contributions of Black women in the WNBA. Gaines retorted, mocking the concept of "White privilege" within the WNBA and emphasizing that admiration for athletes should be based on their skills, not their race.

The exchange escalated as Gaines reshared Hill's previous comments where Hill suggested Clark's race and sexuality contributed to her popularity. Gaines accused Hill of being a "professional race-baiter." Hill then brought up Gaines' tie with transgender athlete Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships, suggesting Gaines owed her fame to Thomas. Gaines fired back, condemning Hill's remarks as misogynistic and highlighting the issues surrounding transgender athletes competing in women's sports.

This isn't Gaines' first online clash with prominent figures. She's previously engaged in debates with Mark Cuban and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often having the last word. Her exchanges consistently generate significant engagement from her followers.